Social Work Core Values and Principles

• Uncompromising adherence to professional ethics and principles
• Cultivating or demonstrating trust and honesty in how we relate to each other / in all encounters and situations
• Awareness of how we interact with one another as human beings – this means, to be honest, trust the good intentions of our colleagues, show up authentically
• The courage to stand where you’re standing and the tenacity to hold what you believe
• Professional and personal

• Clear, open, honest communication
• Inclusion in decision-making
• Full, accurate, timely disclosure of information
• Group power and group decision-making, in terms of how we operate as a group and how we teach empowerment
• Courage

• Dignity, worth
• Unconditional positive regard

• Compassion

• Moving forward with a spirit of scientific inquiry, teaching innovation, and a broader view of “what belongs” to Social Work
• Passionate, systematic curiosity and inquiry
• Inspiring innovation in our students
• Academic excellence; thinking differently about problems and solutions
• Recognizing how we act within larger systems and seeking interdisciplinary collaborations – Integrated thinking, ecosystems perspective
• Being relevant, timely, and responsive
• Integrated knowledge
• Community of knowledge seekers
• Passionate curiosity

• Unwavering commitment to creating change
• Acting towards or in the spirit of social justice for all
• Commitment to action, improvement, and change
• Being change agents
• Being responsive to changing landscapes; Being aware of constantly changing contexts/variables, and fluid in our responses

The School stands for courageous and resolute adherence to professional ethics and values by honoring commitments and upholding the highest standards of academic and scientific integrity.

The School is committed to academic rigor, seeking to define and address emerging social challenges thru interdisciplinary collaboration and critical inquiry that inspires innovation.

Inspired by Colorado State University’s land-grant heritage and mission, the School is committed to excellence, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service, and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world.

CSU’s School of Social Work acknowledges and embraces the myriad characteristics that make each of us exceptional, within an atmosphere that promotes and celebrates individual and collective achievement. The School respects, honors, and values individual differences and ideas. Using a lens of intersectionality, and in alignment with the values and principles stated in the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics, each person is treated with dignity, care, and respect.

The School cultivates a trusting and transparent environment through inclusive planning and decision-making with full, accurate, and timely communication of information.

The School proactively responds to emerging trends and issues through social engagement and experiential learning, which are integrated in all aspects of our teaching, research, and service.